Our trip started out in Lima, the capital of Peru. Here's the facade around the convent cloister of the 17th century San Francisco cathedral.
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We also visited the National Archeological Museum where I was taken with the ... er...floor tiles.
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The home of the Archbishop of Lima is famous for these Moorish-style carved balconies.
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Some of the homes in Lima are quite modern and luxurious, especially ones near the beach in the Miraflores section.
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But, many of the Lima residents live in self-governing shantytowns like this one that typically lack water and electricity.
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Part of our tour of Lima included a vist to their fresh fish market. There were hundreds of customers like these guys.
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We met some of the local fishermen at the market.
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We loved the looks of the fishing nets.
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I just happened to catch a brother and sister sharing a goodie while they were sitting on the seawall. Cute, huh?
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The Lima area is filled with old churches - some not in such great shape and undergoing renovation.
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And, the churches draw friars - this one adopting the typical pose of hands grasped behind his back.
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Lima is also filled with outdoor markets selling food...
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... and supplies.
Many Lima residents get around town by taxicab.
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From Lima, we flew from sea level to the city of Cusco in the Andes at an altitude of almost 11,000 feet.
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This is a panoramic view of the main plaza in Cusco - the Plaza-de Armas.
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Here's a closer view of the plaza.
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One day we were there, the town was shut down by a strike for higher wages and lower transportation costs.
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But, some people have their own way of striking.
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While in Cusco, we went to a dance show portraying the Indian culture of Peru.
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But the Indian culture was visible everywhere in the area. This is pottery at the Santo Domingo convent.
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Here's an Indian woman walking her llama and parrot in front of the ruins at Sacsayhuaman, just outside of Cusco (hmm, maybe a bit staged).
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Inca ruins at Pisac about 20 miles outside of Cusco.
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Notice the agricultural terraces leading up to the hilltop fort at Pisac.
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The area around Cusco is filled with llamas and alpacas (please don't ask us to point out the differences).
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Another llama or alpaca.
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A baby llama or alpaca.
I had thought the use of Indian dress in the Cusco plaza was just for show. But no, the Indians in the hinterlands actually dress that way.
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Babies too.
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And workers... well this IS probably for show.
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Visitors, of course, wear whatever they wish.
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The state religion of Peru is Catholicism so churches and cathedrals are quite prevalent throughout the country.
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Yet, you can still find an indian shaman practicing his ancient faith.
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While walking around the Cusco area, I couldn't help but notice some interesting windows and walls, Here are some samples.
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This is a window in the side of a church, not a prison.
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The wall behind a fountain at San Blas plaza.
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I just loved these shutters.
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it was a rainy day as we took the train to the best known Peruvian destination...
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How the Incas moved 15 ton stones to the mountain top and fitted them together without mortar is still a mystery.
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It is truly wonderous.
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Sights to behold in the mist.
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Yep, we really were there.
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So were some creatures, like this wild guinea pig.
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Which natives consider a delicacy. I'd say it tastes pretty much like... er... racoon?
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The sun came out during our second day at Machu Picchu.
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The sights were clearer but not as dramatic.
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Dark day at Machu Picchu
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The train ride back from Machu Picchu in clear weather revealed some beautiful scenery.
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